Friday, September 23, 2011

Nitsavim-Vayelech - Today

Why does Moshe keep repeating the word 'today?' What is the concept of today? How is it related to Moshe Rabenu's death? How is it connected to Rosh Hashana? What was Haman's mistake about Moshe's date of death?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:11

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

22 Elul

The world was created on the 25th of Elul, and Rosh Hashana was Friday, the sixth day of creation, when Man was created. The second day of Rosh Hashana corresponds to the seventh day of Creation, Shabbos. It is interesting to note that these seven days of creation correspond to the lower seven sefiros. It would seem logical that the three days prior correspond to the three upper sefiros. Thus, the 22nd of Elul (today) would correspond to Keser, which is the hidden root of all of the sefiros, the 23rd would correspond to Chochmah, and the 24th would correspond to Binah.

The Torah begins with the word "Beraishis," which starts with the letter 'Beis.' The letter Beis corresponds to the concept of Chochmah, and thus it could be said that it refers to the 23rd of Elul. The Torah does not begin with Alef, to denote the fact that the aspect of Keser, which is the Alef, (אלף = פלא) is beyond our understanding, nothing that we can relate to. Thus, today, the 22nd of Elul, is the day of Keser, beyond understanding. This corresponds to the idea that the initial statement of Beraishis, which is a non-statement, is the concept of Keser. Whereas each of the following acts of creation are prefaced with the words, "And Hashem said..." the initial act of creation was not prefaced by a statement. "In the beginning Hashem created..." implies a statement, albeit a hidden one. Thus, implied in the concept of Beraishis contained in the first word of the Torah is the hidden statement of Keser, which corresponds to today, the 22nd of Elul. Interestingly, the concept of 'Briah' - creation, and the name 'Elokim' both correspond to the sefirah of Binah, which we said parallels the 24th of Elul. Thus, in the words בראשית ברא אלקים (In the beginning, Elokim created), we have a reference to the three days preceding creation on the 25th of Elul.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Ki Savo - Blessings from Alef to Tav

Why are blessings only found when the item to be blessed is hidden from the eye? Why are the ways we are to emulate Hashem all involving patience with the wicked? What is it that the nations truly fear about the Jewish people? Why are there seemingly more curses than blessings?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:54

Friday, September 9, 2011

Ki Seitzei - War of the Soul

What is the analogy between the Evil Inclination's general approach and the beautiful gentile woman captive? How does this connect to the concept of Shmitah? How does one develop a sense of abundance? What is the lesson of the diminished moon?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:52

Friday, September 2, 2011

Shoftim - The judge's example

What is the 'strength' that the Judge must show? How does one develop the humility that others will be drawn to? What is the difference between the 'honor of kings' and 'the honor of Hashem?' What is the secret of the 'pause' that is the first step in the process of teshuva?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:04